Shiga Prefecture wraps around Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, in the heart of the Kinki region just east of Kyoto. Despite its proximity to major tourism centres, it remains undervisited by foreign travellers — which makes it one of the most rewarding prefectures for those willing to look beyond the obvious. The highlights span feudal castle architecture, tranquil Edo-period gardens, sacred island pilgrimage, and lakeside shrine photography that rivals any scene in Japan.
Hikone Castle — A National Treasure
Hikone Castle is one of only four castles in Japan designated a National Treasure, alongside Matsumoto, Inuyama, and Himeji. The distinction is reserved for structures of outstanding historical and architectural integrity, and Hikone earns it fully. The keep, connecting turrets, and main gate all survive intact from the early Edo period — construction was completed in 1606 — making the ensemble one of the most authentic surviving castle complexes in the country.
The castle sits on a low hill above the city, with sweeping views over Lake Biwa from the upper stories of the three-storey keep. The lake appears slate-grey in winter and brilliant blue in clear summer weather; on calm evenings, the reflection of the keep in the moat creates one of Shiga’s most photographed scenes.
Cherry Blossoms at Hikone
In late March to early April, more than 1,000 cherry trees line the approach path to the castle. The combination of the Edo-period architecture, the moat, and the wall of blossom is considered one of Japan’s finest castle-and-cherry combinations. Crowds are substantial during peak bloom; arrive before 8am to photograph without bus-tour groups.
Entry to the castle is ¥800 and includes admission to Genkyuen Garden.
Access: JR Biwako Line from Kyoto to Hikone, 45 minutes, ¥1,340. From Maibara, 5 minutes, ¥210. The castle is a 15-minute walk from Hikone Station.
Genkyuen Garden
Immediately adjacent to the castle grounds, Genkyuen is an Edo-period strolling garden built in 1677. Its design makes deliberate use of Lake Biwa as borrowed scenery — the lake visible beyond the garden’s perimeter appears to merge with the central pond, extending the garden visually toward the horizon. The castle keep is reflected in the pond on calm mornings, and in November the surrounding maples produce vivid autumn colour.
The garden is included in the ¥800 castle entry ticket, making the combined visit exceptional value. For the best light and fewest people, visit shortly after opening at 8:30am.
Nagahama Historic Town
Located 10 minutes north of Hikone by train, Nagahama is a lakeside castle town founded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1575 after he was awarded the territory following his victory at the Battle of Nagashino. Today the town is best known for Kurokabe Square, a cluster of Meiji-era brick buildings and merchant warehouses that have been converted into glass studios, art galleries, and cafes. Nagahama is Japan’s largest producer of decorative glass art, and the studios range from mass-market souvenir shops to serious craft galleries showcasing kiln-blown work by local artisans.
The covered Hachimangu shopping arcade runs parallel to the lakefront and offers browsing for local crafts, Omi beef restaurants, and small confectionery shops selling local specialties such as yaki-maccha (green tea grilled mochi) and tochi-mochi (horse chestnut mochi, an autumn specialty).
Access: JR from Hikone to Nagahama, 10 minutes, ¥200.
Shirahige Shrine and the Lake Torii
On the western shore of Lake Biwa, Shirahige Shrine’s bright vermilion torii gate stands directly in the lake waters, roughly 60 metres from the shore. The effect is deliberately reminiscent of Miyajima’s iconic torii in the Seto Inland Sea, and Shiga residents sometimes refer to it as “Shiga’s Miyajima.”
The torii is most dramatically photographed at sunrise, when low morning mist drifts across the water surface and the gate appears to float in a grey-gold haze. The shrine itself, dedicated to the deity of longevity and matchmaking, dates to at least the 1st century according to shrine records.
One practical caution: Route 161 runs between the shoreline shrine buildings and the torii in the water. There is no underpass or pedestrian crossing — visitors must cross a busy national highway to reach the lake’s edge for the standard torii photograph. Cross carefully during gaps in traffic.
Viewing the torii from the shrine grounds is free.
Access: JR Kosei Line from Kyoto to Omi-Takashima, 30 minutes, ¥990; then taxi or bicycle approximately 10 minutes north.
Chikubushima Island — Sacred Isle on the Lake
Chikubushima is a small island (2 square kilometres) in the northern reaches of Lake Biwa, accessible only by ferry. The island is entirely sacred — it has no permanent residents, no convenience stores, and no modern development — and is home to two of Shiga’s most important religious sites.
Tsukubusuma Shrine is one of Japan’s three most powerful benzaiten shrines, dedicated to the goddess of water, music, and fortune. The shrine buildings creep up the hillside in layers of vermilion lacquer and gold leaf. Immediately adjacent is Hogonji Temple, with a wooden pagoda visible from the ferry approach. The combination of the island’s forested hillside, the lakeside torii gates, and the shrine-temple complex makes Chikubushima one of the most atmospheric pilgrimage destinations in the Kinki region.
The island is small enough to walk entirely in about 90 minutes. Day-trip timing works well: take a morning ferry from Nagahama, explore at leisure, and return for a Nagahama lunch.
Access: Ferry from Nagahama Port, 30 minutes, ¥3,000 round trip (includes island admission). Ferry from Hikone Port, 45 minutes, ¥3,500 round trip. Ferries run 2-4 times daily depending on season; check schedules at Nagahama tourist office or online in advance.
Practical Tips for Shiga
Shiga is entirely accessible as day trips from Kyoto (Hikone is 45 minutes by express, Nagahama 70 minutes). For a more complete visit, staying one night in Hikone or Nagahama allows early-morning castle access and an evening Omi beef dinner without the day-tripper rush. The JR Biwako Line runs the eastern shore, and the JR Kosei Line runs the western shore — together they provide good access to all the sites listed above. A ICOCA or Suica card covers all fares.